Google Drive Introduces AI-Powered Ransomware Detection
Key Points
- Google Drive for desktop adds AI‑powered ransomware detection.
- Model trained on millions of real ransomware samples detects malicious file changes.
- When ransomware activity is identified, syncing is paused and users receive alerts.
- Feature includes one‑click restoration to previous file versions.
- Open beta rollout is underway, with general availability planned by year‑end.
- AI continuously learns from new threats via VirusTotal intelligence.
- Ransomware incidents have risen globally, highlighting the need for such tools.
Google Drive for desktop is rolling out an AI-driven ransomware detection tool that scans for malicious file changes across Windows and macOS devices. Trained on millions of real-world ransomware samples, the model can identify suspicious activity, pause file syncing, alert users, and enable restoration to previous versions. The feature is currently in open beta with a goal of general availability by the end of the year, addressing a rise in ransomware incidents worldwide.
AI-Driven Protection for Drive Users
Google Drive for desktop is adding a new ransomware detection capability powered by artificial intelligence. The system relies on a specialized AI model trained on millions of real-world ransomware samples to spot signals that a file has been maliciously altered. When the model flags activity that resembles ransomware—such as attempts to encrypt or corrupt files at scale—it automatically stops syncing Drive files, notifies the user on the desktop and via email, and offers the ability to roll back to an earlier, clean version of the affected files.
The feature is being released in an open beta, with Google’s Luke Camery indicating that the company plans to make it generally available by the end of the year. By pausing sync operations at the moment of detection, the tool aims to prevent widespread data corruption and reduce downtime for individuals and organizations that rely on Drive for collaboration.
Adaptive Threat Intelligence
The AI model continuously improves by analyzing ongoing file changes and incorporating fresh threat intelligence sourced from VirusTotal. This enables the detection engine to adapt to new ransomware variants as they emerge, maintaining effectiveness against evolving threats.
Ransomware Landscape
Ransomware attacks remain on the rise globally. Recent intelligence reports noted more than five thousand ransomware incidents worldwide in the previous year, representing a notable increase over the prior period. Google’s new protection aligns with broader industry efforts to bolster defenses against this growing menace.
Overall, the AI‑based ransomware detection in Google Drive represents a proactive step toward safeguarding users’ data, offering both real‑time alerts and recovery options to mitigate the impact of malicious attacks.